Catherine's hand moved before her conscious mind could process the decision.
Her fingers reached for the vial, trembling slightly... not from fear now, but from the weight of possibility pressing down on her.
The impossible light played across her skin, warm and inviting, as if the elixir itself recognized her intent.
She caught herself mid-reach, hand suspended in the air between them.
"Is it really true?"
The words came out quieter than she'd intended, carrying all the vulnerability she usually kept locked behind her CEO mask.
"Everything you're saying... is it real?"
Alex leaned forward slightly, his expression serious.
"This is the same medicine that brought Viktor back from near death to apex realm," he said quietly. "The exact same formulation. What he received is right in front of you."
Catherine's breath caught.
Her head nodded unconsciously, a small movement as the pieces clicked into place.
Her fingers closed around the vial before doubt could resurface.
